Zelensky says 'strong' Trump can broker peace with Russia, end Ukraine war

NEWS WIRES

5 January 2025 at 6:08 pm·1-min read

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says a 'strong' Donald Trump as US President can force Russia to negotiate.

In an interview with US podcaster Lex Fridman, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence in President-elect Donald Trump's ability to broker peace talks with Russia, emphasising a cooperative approach with Europe for Ukraine's security and a potential settlement.

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism in an interview published Sunday that "strong" incoming US president Donald Trump will be able to force Russia into peace talks and end the war in Ukraine.

In a three-hour discussion with US podcaster Lex Fridman, Zelensky said the Republican president-elect will be vital to guaranteeing Ukraine's security, opening the way for a negotiated settlement also backed by European nations.

"Trump and I will come to an agreement and... offer strong security guarantees, together with Europe, and then we can talk to the Russians," Zelensky said, according to the published translation of the interview held in Kyiv over the New Year.

"We and Trump come first, and Europe will support Ukraine's position," he said.

Trump has frequently mocked Zelensky as a "salesman," while raising eyebrows in Washington by rarely criticising Russian President Vladimir Putin -- and even speaking admiringly of the Kremlin leader.

The Ukrainian president said that European leaders are all waiting to see what Trump wants.

"If he will invite me, I will come."

(AFP)

Australian Associated Press
Macarthur expecting more January transfer movement
Macarthur boss Mile Sterjovski says the club's long-term strategy is now bearing fruit with several young Australians netting moves overseas.
Australian Associated Press
MND advocate Neale Daniher named Australian of the Year
AFL legend Neale Daniher has been awarded the 2025 Australian of the Year for his tireless advocacy for a cure for motor neurone disease.
Australian Associated Press
Campaigners and Olympians recognised in honours list
More than 450 people have been recognised for their achievements in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List.
Australian Associated Press
Aussies set sights on heaping more Ashes pain on Poms
Australia's women's cricketers are planning to display their ruthless streak in their highly-anticipated Ashes Test match against England.
Australian Associated Press
Fowler scores a beauty in Man City win at Aston Villa
Mary Fowler has lit up Manchester City's 4-2 win at Aston Villa in the Women's Super League, scoring a superb curler and assisting on an even better goal.
Australian Associated Press
Wimbledon champs add Open doubles to their trophy haul
Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten have claimed the Australian Open doubles title in an epic three-hour final against Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori.
Australian Associated Press
Italy to resume controversial Albania migrant transfer
Italy is gearing up to send migrants, who are rescued in the Mediterranean Sea, to Albania.
Australian Associated Press
Only person with a functioning pig organ is thriving
An Alabama woman is thriving following a record 61 days and counting after receiving a pig kidney.
Australian Associated Press
Levi stars as Aussie teams power to Perth Sevens semis
Maddison Levi has scored five tries across two games to power Australia into a semi-final against Canada at the Perth Rugby Sevens.
Australian Associated Press
Fire-ravaged Los Angeles braces for toxic rain runoff
There are fears that hazardous chemicals belched from burning homes and cars in the Los Angeles wildfires will make it into runoff when it rains.
Australian Associated Press
Noman's land! Pakistan spinner takes Test hat-trick
Pakistan's Noman Ali has taken a hat-trick on a remarkable first day of the second Test against West Indies as 20 wickets tumbled in Multan.
Australian Associated Press
Taipans strike in double overtime to stun Wildcats
Bryce Cotton scored 38 points but it wasn't enough for the Perth Wildcats who were stunned by the Cairns Taipans in double overtime.
Australian Associated Press
Sabalenka rues missed shot at Open hat-trick history
Aryna Sabalenka missed the chance to become the first woman this century to win three straight Australian Open titles, losing the final to Madison Keys.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie women win again for Ashes white-ball whitewash
Beth Mooney has dominated with the bat as Australia's women cricketers thrashed England by 72 runs in the third T20 to secure a white-ball Ashes sweep.
Australian Associated Press
Madison Keys wins Australian Open final for maiden slam
American Madison Keys, 29, has upset world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open and become the oldest first-time grand slam champion in a decade.
Australian Associated Press
Germain fires Macarthur to narrow ALM win over City
Valere Germain has stood up for Macarthur and helped secure a valuable 1-0 A-League Men win over Melbourne City.
Australian Associated Press
McNamara puts City top of ALW, Reds and Western draw
Melbourne City scraped past Western Sydney 1-0 thanks to a Holly McNamara goal, while Adelaide and Western United fought out a 1-1 draw.
Australian Associated Press
'We hope Hannah's proud': parents on mission to halt DV
Lloyd and Suzanne Clarke lost their daughter and three grandchildren to domestic violence and have been fierce advocates for criminalising coercive control.
Australian Associated Press
Political honour for late minister and party stalwart
A late former Liberal minister who served in the cabinets of two prime ministers has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
Australian Associated Press
Water safety pioneer, master swim coach makes a splash
Water safety pioneer and master swim coach Laurie Lawrence is among a batch of sporting luminaries feted in the Australia Day Honours list.

Latest stories